Stephen Strasburg on the mound. Michael Morse in right field. Bryce Harper in center field. The Nationals in first place. What more could you ask for?

Well, no rainout would be nice. Unfortunately, tonight's forecast is not promising at all. The tarp has been covering the infield all afternoon, even though to this point there have only been some light sprinkles. The heavy stuff, though, is due to hit right around gametime and last well into the evening.

That wouldn't seem to bode well for this game being played, but we'll have to wait and see what the Nationals decide to do. Remember, the home team (consulting with the visitors and MLB) has control of these things up until lineup cards are exchanged. After that, the umpires call the shots.

[UPDATE AT 3:40 P.M. — It's official now: Michael Morse has been activated off the DL and will hit cleanup tonight. Corey Brown has been optioned back to Class AAA Syracuse.]

You're correctomundo MarkMeister. What more could a Nats' fan ask?? Actually, beating the Fish 3 straight next time 'round, would be on my wish list!Wish I could make the NI shindig on June 14th. Maybe next time????

Well, there's the answer for those who were wondering in the last thread about Corey Brown. Better for him to get the regular ABs, and he wasn't going to get them here.I hope the press box windows are closed, Mark. We're having a whale of a downpour in southern Montgomery County.

This scenario is eerily reminiscent of the great Hot Stuff incident game. If they are going to delay, I hope they delay right at the beginning instead of trying to start and then stopping. As I recall, Strassie did not handle that well at all. Prediction – Strassie starts and pitches a few fine innings – rain delay — Detweiler comes in and dominates for the rest of the game. And Michael Morse hacks some gorse!!!

Cn – I also expected Maldonado to go back to syracuse – I was surprised that it was Corey Brown. Figuring they are going to make very, very sure that JFlo is 100 percent before they do that. I am guessing Perry leaves when Lidge comes back.

No Lombo at lead off = less rbi opportunities for Bryce, Ryan and Mike.Lombo is going to play … he's just still the super UTL guy at this point. Unless they move Espinosa to that position they really don't have one right now.

I believe Lombo is only 2 for 18 (.111) from the right side this year. Nady, OTOH, is batting a hefty .193…On the team carrying 3 catchers, I think they want to be very cautious after seeing Kemp re-aggravate his hammy after blasting thru his brief rehab.

peric – it has been widely reported that when Morse got back it would be Lombo in left, Harper in center and Morse in right. I am guessing that Nady is in the line up because of some handed-ness type match up or because the veteran guy on the bench needs to get starts to stay "fresh". When Jim Riggleman did that, he got crucified for it. But if it is some kind of match up deal, I am hoping for the best. Danny has definitely showed signs of warming up. Lombo just seems to be a catalyst when he is in the game, has some speed. Nady – not so much.

I think they want Morse to get used to RF because he is going to be there until Werth comes back. Has to be the Lefty Righty Match up that has Lombo on the Bench vs Nady. Isn't this virtually the same lineup they had last week when Stras Pitched?

This from Kilgore.So we received two (Flores and Morse). Let's not give any back!Adam Kilgore ‏@AdamKilgoreWPHenry Rodriguez says he doesn't think he can pitch tonight. His right index finger, which he slammed in a door, is still swollen.

MicheleS – so do you think the organization's plan is to permanently change Lombo to an outfielder? Or do you think they plan on him being super-utility and playing infield and outfield? I hate to even think about it – but could he be traded? Young infielder, switch hitter, on base type guy? Could be valuable to someone.

Nats inclement weather hotline still has game starting on time. Radar shows all sorts of technicolor stuff bearing down on us. We aren't going down. It looks like one those get drenched and sit there until midnight evenings.I basically like the line-up. I knew Davey wasn't going to get rid of Nady and I assume he has figured out he needs to get Lombardozzi into the line-up regularly. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Corey Brown.I would love to see Morse do well from the outset. I've been faithfully voting for him to make the All Star Team. He was close last year.

Wait, I thought someone confidently stated that Perry would be optioned to make room for Morse. Or Maldonado. Makes a whole lot more sense not to carry six outfielders, seven if you count Lombo. I'd have preferred that Nady be the guy to go instead of Brown, but having three reserve LH outfielders does seem a bit much, and they just aren't going to cut someone when there's someone with options who can yo-yo up and down, like Brown (and Moore), at least until it's clear the Morse is back for good. So welcome back Mickey Morse. May the force be with you. If you mash tonight, maybe Davey will leave you in the cleanup spot where you belong, even against righties. And yes, please hit the cutoff man and don't try to emulate Harper on the bases.

MicheleS – so do you think the organization's plan is to permanently change Lombo to an outfielder? Or do you think they plan on him being super-utility and playing infield and outfield? It is curious to see Nady in left instead of Morse. No. I don't believe this clap trap the beat writers have been promulgating … not for a nano second. Look the lineup is far different from what they said it would be already right?Here's the way I interpret it. Davey has yet to see Morse in right field while he's been manager. He wants to see what Morse looks like out there. Not just in left. The reason why is obvious. Lombardozzi is the superUTL guy. He is not going to be the starting left fielder. This won't change unless/until they decide to convert Espinosa into that role. Espy is their very best overall fielder bar none. He is capable of learning and playing every position on the field short of catcher. He has gold glove potential at just about any position. Otherwise, its Teahen.But Espy's bat also has huge potential. Both this year and into the future. They are trying to win … but also develop the prospects as much as they can while trying to win. That is something new …That said, I have no clue whatsoever where players like Nady, Ankiel, DeRosa et al fit in with that model? They seem to defeat the purpose.Even if the Nats don't make the playoffs if they improve record-wise and prospects progress they will have had a very successful year indeed!

The team is OF heavy, considering 2 infielders (Moore & Tracy) were taken off the 25 and replaced by Solano & Brown. I just assumed that Maldanado (who obvi filled Leon's spot who clearly filled Ramos's spot) would be sent down and the team would still have 2 backup infielders with Lombo (2B, SS, 3B) and Morse (1B).Talk about musical chairs…

Wait, I thought someone confidently stated that Perry would be optioned to make room for Morse. Or Maldonado. Yeah, I did. Until Dan Kolko gently reminded me that Henry had damaged a finger on his throwing hand and that meant Ryan Perry would be needed for now.I knew they wouldn't touch Maldonado … not yet at least. No way too risky.I wasn't sure Brown had options but since he does the move makes sense. Now both he and Moore are a phone call away. However, with Komatsu back, plus Paul and Teahen the Nats are now inundated with left-handed bats and outfielders. Its time to execute a trade me thinks.

Raining in Baileys Crossroads. I've seen worse, but you can't play baseball in it. Also see on the radar there is a break and then another big long blob of storms in West Virginia. Doubt the break is wide enough to get five innings played.

@Grandstander…When Stanton changed his name to Giancarlo, there was an extra Mike floating around. Someone had to use it.I need to leave by 5:45. I've blown one game already, not going to blow another.Pepperdine just scored a 2nd run against Mich State. Nice place to go to school.

D'Gourds – do you think that Lombardozzi has a weak arm or hasn't yet learned how to make outfield throws? Mike Morse commented that during this rehab he has just learned how to do it. He was also an infielder. Lombo strikes me as the kind of kid that works so hard he can improve anything he sets his mind to.Still so young, too. My bet is that if he decides to improve his arm, he will do it. He won't be Ankiel – who is? But with his other abilities he is a really good asset to this organization. MLB guys were just talking about John Lannan – talking about possibly trading CMW. Heyman says Det and Lannan could both take the 5th spot after Strassie is shut down. They think the CMW starting move is about showcasing him.

With the emergence of Lombo as leadoff/LFThat's temporary … no one in charge is worried because well just look at the DL list! One can be certain Lombo will get plenty of playing time as the superUTIL. Plenty, unless he lands on that list.

Nevermind, no 6 man rotation needed even if a DH is played since there was a day off yesterday and would be another off day Monday if a DH is played. That said, Monday makes the best makeup day, as the Braves only travel to Miami for Tues, while the Nats stay at home.

D'Gourds – do you think that Lombardozzi has a weak arm or hasn't yet learned how to make outfield throws?Lombo has ALWAYS had a very weak arm. Its why he played exclusively at second base for the most part in the minors. Just ask Luke Erickson (NationalsProspects.com) or Brian Oliver (NationalsFarmAuthority.com) who have both watched Lombo extensively there if you don't believe me.

When Brown came up and was not immediately inserted into the everyday lineup it was apparent to me that the brass does not feel that he is ready. To me Harper,Brown,Morse from right to left makes the most sense and I don't really understand why Nady and Ankiel keep getting the at bats which they are obviously not able to convert into production.

Just got the following email:*****************************************Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the City of Alexandria (NEW)For Immediate Release: June 1, 2012The National Weather Service has issued a new Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the City of Alexandria, in effect until 5:15 pm. The storm approaching our area may produce hail up to the size of quarters and damaging in excess of 60 miles per hour. This is a dangerous storm. Residents are advised to prepare immediately for damaging wind gusts and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Move indoors to a sturdy building and stay away from windows.The City remains under a Tornado Watch until 9 pm tonight, and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect until midnight tonight.*****************************************People are being told to stay indoors and away from windows, and to watch for hail the size of quarters… and they STILL haven't called the game?Really?

Look, Nationals, if you postpone the game and the storm doesn't materialize, nobody's going to blame you, considering the weather reports we've been getting.But if you start the game at 9:00 and then postpone it when things turn really ugly, lots of people are going to hate you.Or if you start it at 10:00 after the system has blown through, in front of thirty-two people who live within a few blocks of the park, you'll have another 20,000 or so people who wasted a ticket hating you.

Nasty storm just leaving Prince William County. Wouldn't mind if the nats were postponed as I am going to a concert and will only be able to check the game at a short intermission. I am not looking forward to driving even the short distance to an indoor event. If they play – please be descriptive so I can get an update quickly!

Coming down buckets in Baileys Crossroads, but this (somewhat contradictory) report from the Park:We Love DC Sports ‏@welovedcsportsNats Park is wet but it is currently dry and clouds moving quickly across the sky towards Maryland.

Couple of points…Looks to me, watching coverage, that bad weather will likely be out of area before game time or shortly thereafter (though another line of storms still may come through)Also, if they do postpone and schedule a day-night doubleheader tomorrow or Sunday, second game can't be on MASN or MLB.tv because of Fox/ESPN exclusivity. I know calling the game seems a no-brainer to many of us, ut there are other factors to consider.

Morse raises an interesting question, who has the better arm, Ankiel or Harper. I'm going with the cagey veteran, but if there is a rain delay I vote for some kind of skills competition in the slickened outfield. Maybe who gets closer to hitting Teddy's butt from 250".

NatsLady — looks like more of a 4 1/2 hour delay before the system opens up enough to take the tarp off the field. I can't believe the Nats would endanger Stras' well-being (not to mention the remaining healthy starters) by risking them slipping and sliding around the mound and the field.

Welll…if you're the revenue-maximizing (money-grubbing) Nats management, calling this game doesn't give you a good option. Schedule a single admission doubleheader and lose one game's gate (and have to honor rain checks), schedule a split admission doubleheader and lose MASN coverage of the second game (and I'll bet there's a penalty in the MASN contract for that), schedule a makeup for a further series and piss off Atlanta mightily (as well as run future weather risks. I'll bet they wait til 9 or 10 if they have to (that way, if you've got a ticket and don't show up, they keep your money).

I'm following the news from afar. Who knew Boswell had such a sense of humor? But mostly…..SO glad to see Morse's name in the line up, even if the game never happens. Hoping everyone stays safe and somehow dry tonight.

Section 222 said… anyone else thinking that "slammed finger in door" = "punched a wall"? Or a bathroom mirror. Nah. The Nats would never, ever, circulate misleading information about an injury! June 01, 2012 5:07 PM ____________________________Thought the same thing when I first heard about it but do believe he told the Nats his hand got caught in the door -or- maybe a translation error, the door got caught in his hand.

Not sure why they took so long to call this game. They owe something to the brave souls who made it to the ballpark and to those stuck in traffic who now have to turn around so they can be stuck in more traffic. This could have and should have been decided hours ago.

Because I like to rub it in with hail the size of quarters?Lannan pRAA: -8.8 with an adjusted tRA of 6.06 … amazingly he is nolonger the worst on staff!That honor belongs to Tanner Roark acquired in the Cristian Guzman trade.pRAA: -11.6 adjusted tRA of 7.20.

Candide said… Well, hell, NOW what am I supposed to do for the rest of the evening…?Go online and vote Nats for the All Star Game. Write in Bryce Harper. 25 votes per email address. Make up all the bogus email addresses you need in order to kill the evening. They don't check to see if it's a real email address, they just check the format. If it looks like an email address, it's good.

baseballswami said…D'Gourds – do you think that Lombardozzi has a weak arm or hasn't yet learned how to make outfield throws? Mike Morse commented that during this rehab he has just learned how to do it. He was also an infielder. Lombo strikes me as the kind of kid that works so hard he can improve anything he sets his mind to.Still so young, too. My bet is that if he decides to improve his arm, he will do it. He won't be Ankiel – who is? But with his other abilities he is a really good asset to this organization. MLB guys were just talking about John Lannan – talking about possibly trading CMW. Heyman says Det and Lannan could both take the 5th spot after Strassie is shut down. They think the CMW starting move is about showcasing him.June 01, 2012 4:58 PM______________________________________________________________________Swami, Lombo can learn to throw more efficently and can add some arm strength, but will never have a strong outfielder's arm. Some guys are seemingly born with an actual cannon. Unlike Morse, Lombardozzi never had a strong infielder's arm either. Morse has worked with the Nat's Cathcart to learn to throw correctly from the outfield. He had a strong arm to start with. I've never seen him make a throw from left, or right, using the proper crow hop, either. It makes a huge difference in how good a throw you make. Like any other position in baseball, there are a zillion nuances to playing the outfield properly that are not learned in a couple of weeks.